Knowing The Different Kinds of Thrift Stores Can Help You Find What You Need & Save You Money
When you shop for clothes or furniture, new isn't always better. Thrift stores offer a great alternative, with plenty of amazing items to be discovered at fantastic prices. When you opt to buy items secondhand, you can experience the many benefits below:
- Thrifting is great for the environment: Manufacturing new items such as clothing calls for considerable water, energy, and raw material resources. Producing a single cotton shirt can consume over 700 gallons of water. But when you thrift, your actions reduce carbon emissions associated with the fashion industry. Thrifting encourages a more sustainable approach to consumption. It can help support an economy where resources are utilized more efficiently and responsibly by all.
- Second-hand shopping supports local communities: A lot of thrift shops and second-hand stores are run by charities or local organizations that support their communities. Making a purchase with one of these organizations can provide life-changing programs including emergency shelter, counseling, legal assistance, child mentoring, case management for people in need.
- Save money with thrift shopping: Shopping for gifts and items for your home can get expensive. When you choose second-hand shopping you'll be able to find what you need at a fraction of the cost. When people donate items to second-hand stores, they might not think about the value of what they’re discarding. There's a chance you can find something incredibly valuable at a low cost!
- Have fun with second-hand shopping: Thrifting doesn't need to just be about buying something — it can become a new hobby! Thrift shopping is like going on your own treasure hunt. Second-hand shops aren't organized in a uniform manner like department stores, so you never know what you'll find in the midst of all those racks.
Different Types of Second-Hand Shopping
Believe it or not, there are multiple kinds of second-hand stores to choose from. Here are some different types of shops that you might find in your community:
- Consignment shop — People bring in items they wish to sell to a consignment shop. The profits from the sale are split between the store and the person who brought in the item.
- Resale shop — Resale and consignment shops are very similar, as stores purchase items from people who wish to part with them. However, instead of sharing profits with the seller, resale shop owners purchase items outright.
- Thrift shop — Thrift shops are often non-profit ventures, backed by organizations such as Goodwill and the Salvation Army. Consignment stores and thrift shops have one major difference. People sell items to consignment stores, but they donate items to thrift shops.
- Antique store — Antique stores sell items that are considered rare, beautiful, or very old. While you may purchase second hand items here, they're generally of higher quality and price than thrift or resale shops.
- Vintage store — Vintage stores are similar to antique shops, but they differ in the age of their merchandise. The general rule of thumb is that antiques are over 100 years old and vintage items are less than 100 years old.
- Estate sale — An estate sale is a large, organized sale of a person's possessions. It usually takes place after they've passed away. The proceeds from the sale may cover debts, nursing home costs, burial fees or other expenses.
If you're just getting started in the second-hand shopping scene, this list may seem overwhelming. However, each type of second-handing shopping is unique and provides its own benefits. We'll dive deeper into what to expect with each experience and tips to maximize that particular type of second-hand shopping.
Consignment Stores
Consignment stores allow shoppers to buy items from private sellers at a generous discount. As Shopify says, this relationship involves the consignor (usually a person) providing goods to the consignee (the shop). The consignee then handles storage, inventory management, and other tasks associated with selling.
Once the item in question has been sold, the consignor receives a percentage of sales proceeds or a flat-rate fee. The percentage of the profit taken by consignment shops varies but typically will range from about 40% to 60%. Keep in mind that each consignee sets their own consignment terms for their shop.
Consignment shops will display a variety of products from sellers. While demand and quality will influence how desirable an item is to the shop, here are some items you can expect to find at the stores:
- Clothing and shoes
- Athletic equipment and gear
- Toys and baby accessories
- Antiques and collectibles
- Furniture
- Musical instruments
- Art
- Jewelry
If you're interested in diving into consignment shopping, here are some tips to consider to get the most out of your next outing:
- Shop often — Consignment stores constantly get new inventory, so make sure to check back often.
- Shop off-season — Consignment shops often mark down prices on seasonal items once that season is over — take advantage.
- Set a budget and stick to it — Shopping consignment saves you a lot of money, but it's still easy to get carried away. Be mindful of your shopping habits and create a budget to stick to ahead of time.
Thrift Stores
People donate items they no longer need to thrift stores. These stores are run by not-for-profit organizations to raise money to fund their respective charitable causes. Once a thrift store receives a new item, they'll sell it at a very low price to consumers and the profit goes back to their charity. Thrift stores are great for shoppers who like a treasure hunt, getting a good deal, finding vintage items, upcycled items and of course for shoppers who like to support a good cause.
Once the thrift store receives donated items, thrift store employees begin the pricing process with a few different factors. These are primarily the item's condition and any unique features it possesses. After that, they'll likely turn to one of the three following strategies — pricing markdowns, fixed pricing, and demand-based pricing. That will help the store reach a price that is fair to the consumer, while still allowing the store to turn a profit.
While shoppers can find a variety of items at thrift stores, here are just a few of note to keep an eye out for:
- Lamps
- Artwork
- Silver plates
- Pottery
- Mirrors
- Architectural details for your home
- Wood furniture
- Hardcover books
- Outdoor furniture and decor
- Copper items
- Picture frames
Some might say that thrifting is an art! Before your next outing, make sure to pick the right store to fit your needs. For example, some specialize in clothing and others focus on furniture. If you want to find the best deals and items, get strategic with your timing. Cottage on Bunker Hill says that thrifting is best during the weekdays, especially early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
Resale Stores
Resale shops are stores that will purchase an item upfront, paying sellers either cash or store credit. As the store is taking a chance on the item they are purchasing, sellers will likely be paid less than other types of secondhand stores.
Resale and consignment shops share some similarities, and you can find similar items at each type of store. However, the key difference between these two types of shops is how they acquire their inventory. As mentioned, resale stores purchase gently used items directly from sellers and offer cash or store credit in turn.
Consignment stores attempt to sell pieces on your behalf. Sellers only receive payment after the item has been sold. If the item doesn't sell after a certain period of time, the consignor can pick it back up or allow the shop to donate it on their behalf.
Resale shops have a few factors they'll likely keep in mind as they set prices. The first is likely the original cost compared to the quality of the item. If you paid good money for your piece and it's in good shape, you'll likely receive more from the consignment shop. Similarly, if an item is one-of-a-kind, a resale shop will likely pay resellers more for that piece versus something that is easier to find.
Antique Stores
Antique stores are shops that specialize in selling items that are at least 100 years old. The items that antique stores sell will depend on a few different variables. These may include common demographics of the shoppers, physical location of the shop, and the time of the year. But with those factors in mind, here are some items you may find at an antique store:
- Framed prints and paintings
- Large or small pieces of furniture from specific eras or makers
- Nostalgic items, such as old toys and games
- Old collectibles like vinyl, books, ceramics or glassware
- Unique local souvenirs
Antique stores often target higher-end shoppers. That means that their inventory may cost more than anything from a thrift or consignment store. For example, Melanie with Lost and Found recommends antique sellers price items at least 3 times higher than what they paid for them. They should also consider the customer base who may be interested in purchasing the piece.
If a particular item is trending on a social media site like Pinterest or Instagram, that may drive up the price even further. Antique shoppers understand the items they are looking for are rare and valuable, so they'll likely be willing to pay a good price.
Antique shoppers aren't in it for a casual experience — it requires knowledge and experience related to the types of items desired. If you're new to antique shopping, here are some tips to ensure you'll walk away with some treasures:
- Understand the type of item you're interested in
- Start off your antiquing journey with an experienced antique shopper
- Get creative with how you can use items you find
- Scan the entire store from top to bottom
- It's okay to ask for a lower price
Vintage Stores
A vintage store is a shop that sells items that are old (but less than 100 years old), rare, and often associated with a specific era. Shoppers can find a variety of items at vintage stores, including ceramics, furniture, clothing, vinyl, and more.
As with any secondhand store, vintage shop owners consider a number of factors when it comes to pricing items. They'll often consider the era the item is from, and how hard it is to come by products from that time period. Additionally, they'll consider current trends, quality of the item, and the availability of that product.
Similarly to antiquing, think of vintage shopping like a treasure hunt. Vintage items are rare. If you see something you like that is affordable and in good shape, don’t wait! But if it's a little out of your price range, talk to the shop owner and see if they'd be open to negotiating a lower price.
Estate Sales
Estate sales are the most unique secondhand shopping experience on this list. These sales don't happen at storefronts, but rather people's homes. They are a way to dispose of the entirety of a person's possessions.
If you're attending an estate sale for the first time, bring cash and a checkbook, arrive early, know what you're looking for, and be respectful of the home you're in. Price points and items available at estate sales will vary based on the person. But a lot of shoppers frequent estate sales in search of antiques, furniture, collectibles, art, power tools, and more.
Before an estate sale begins, the organizer separates items into categories. Then, they'll appraise them based on their market value. Next, the organizer will mark each item with a price tag. If an estate sale is especially popular, organizers require shoppers to wait in line before entering.
Then, they will use a number system, with buyers receiving numbers that match their place in line. But once they enter the sale, shoppers can roam the home freely and purchase items on a first-come, first-served basis.
TL;DR — There’s a Second hand Option for Any Kind of Shopper
No matter if you want a fun outfit or a valuable piece of furniture, there’s a secondhand option for every kind of shopper. You just need to know what you’re looking for. But if you’re looking for a thrift shop near the Lancaster County area, come visit Morgantown ReUzit Shoppe. We’re committed to serving our community with a caring and friendly presence.
Take a look at our website to learn more.